The City of Fredericton is governed by a City Council consisting of a mayor, nominated and elected at large, and 12 city councillors, nominated and elected by ward. The mayor and city councillors serve for a four-year term.
City Council is responsible for conducting the business of municipal government. This is done through a variety of meetings, including regular Council meetings, Council-in-Committee meetings, Standing Committee meetings, and other committee and board meetings.
A number of municipal bylaws are in place to govern the work of the City of Fredericton. The municipality also operates under the legislation of the Province of New Brunswick, including the Local Governance Act, Community Planning Act, Official Languages Act, and Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The City's budget is based on a calendar year. City Council approves an annual capital and operating budget for both the General Fund and the Water and Sewer Utility.
